I Tried the Weirdest “Open” Headphones

The video opens with an explanation of open back headphones and why the author is exploring this niche, highlighting how open designs allow ambient sound to mix with audio for a more situational awareness experience. He then introduces a lineup of unconventional open back devices, starting with Sony LinkBuds Open, explaining their ring-shaped, partially transparent sound path and how the fit feels despite the unusual design. Throughout the first segment, he notes tradeoffs such as seal, comfort, and bass response, and he demonstrates how the app-based EQ can compensate to bring the sound closer to traditional closed-back experiences. By the end of the early section, the reviewer shares preliminary impressions and comfort ratings, setting expectations for how these devices perform in real-world listening, daily work, and casual use. The middle portion covers Bose Ultra Open and Nothing Ear Open, detailing how their behind-the-ear or floating-ear designs alter fit, comfort, and perceived security, while still allowing environmental awareness through open sound. He emphasizes that, despite the novelty, open back earbuds often sacrifice bass and isolation, but can excel in comfort and transparency, depending on usage and preferences. In the final portion, NWM Open Back Headphones and Move Engine UM 600 are evaluated for weight, openness, and how the driver positioning affects sound clarity and ambient leakage. The reviewer concludes that modern approaches have largely addressed the transparency goal with more versatile features, but each model has distinct strengths and compromises, leaving room for enthusiasts to choose based on comfort, design, and how much ambient sound they want to retain or suppress.

Topics · Technology · Audio · Gadgets · Reviews · Open-back headphones · Wearable tech